Thanks Slab....i'm sure that between all the members here, you've seen pretty much everything that can happen to a 'Wing. Wish I'd come here instead of trusting my baby to a certain 'mechanic' over the winter. To say he butchered her would be kind.....and unfortunately the only bike shops around here (small town) are oriented to Harleys and newer metrics.
Had a new problem today - after riding into town and gassing up, she wouldn't start. Seems like there is a dead spot in my starter (no surprise there), but usually if I move forward in gear and pop the clutch to rotate things, it clears it.....this time, no such luck. Called the auto club in case it was a dead battery, and took off the covers to make sure the tow truck had quick access. After waiting for a while, I did the usual thing, and tried it (again)...and this time she started.
Went off and did my thing, left her running while parked, and about 10 minutes later, heard a strange noise....my fan starting up (NEVER had it start up before). When I looked down there was a pool of coolant running out from under the bike; talk about panic. When I killed th engine to check, it was draining from one of the three hoses that hang down behind the engine. Once again, wouldn't start.
Took off BOTH covers, let her cool down, and sure enough she started again, so I was able to get home ok. Now I'm wondering about the level in the rad...I checked the top-up bottle inside the false tank, and it is full, so I don't know if it is plugged, or if I just didn't really lose that much after all.
Oh well, tomorrow is another day. Still need to change out my headlight (did that last year, and it was a pain, but at least this time I know what I'm doing....sorta).
